Why has alcohol retained such popularity with American public when it is so clearly laden with high risk?

Answer the following questions, (1) Why has alcohol retained such popularity with American public when it is so clearly laden with high risk? (2) Is it safe for a mother to drink a glass of wine at nigh? What are the risk?
I expect you your answers to be complete and academic. I would expect to see some related research especially in regards to “a mother drinking a glass of wine at not.”